All units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted their first training in 2026 from Jan. 4-6, focusing on multiple subjects to enhance tactics and real combat capabilities.
At an airport in east China, several J-16 fighter jets from the PLA Eastern Theater Command took off in sequence to conduct a confrontation training. Above the clouds, opposing red and blue forces continuously changed tactics as they engaged in intense air combat.
Highlighting long-range precision strikes and maritime air support, an air unit from the Central Theater Command, flying several H-6K bombers, tested their capabilities in low-altitude penetration and electromagnetic confrontation.
Meanwhile, an air unit from the Northern Theater Command conducted a series of search and rescue trainings, as well as flights at low altitude and instrument flying under extreme weather conditions, to enhance the force's all-time and all-domain search and rescue capabilities.
PLA Air Force conducts first combat training in 2026
Chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, Cheng Li-wun, on Tuesday underlined the importance of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to the separatist forces in Taiwan in the cross-Strait relations.
Cheng made the remarks after she arrived in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, via Shanghai with her delegation for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday.
Upon arrival in Nanjing, Cheng thanked Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and mainland authorities for their warm reception. She said the visit is of great significance for maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and improving people's well-being.
"It once again proves that the political foundation of the '1992 Consensus' and the opposition to the separatist forces in Taiwan remains evergreen. Historical experience has fully demonstrated that as long as the '1992 Consensus' is adhered to and the separatist forces in Taiwan is opposed, exchanges and dialogues can be conducted across the Taiwan Strait," said Cheng.
Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, welcomed Cheng and her delegation in Shanghai.
Song said he believes Cheng's trip would allow her to personally witness the mainland's tremendous developmental achievements under the leadership of Xi and the CPC, as well as the goodwill of the people in the mainland toward compatriots in Taiwan, which will garner high recognition and support from people on both sides of the Strait.
He added that the two parties should prioritize national interests and the well-being of people across the Strait, work together to promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and jointly contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At the invitation of CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping, the delegation is scheduled to visit Jiangsu Province, Shanghai and Beijing, marking the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the Chinese mainland.
KMT chairwoman underscores importance of 1992 Consensus during mainland visit
